Cut ye not off the tribe, &c.— The meaning of this, as explained in the following verses, is, "Do not, by omitting to instruct the Kohathites what they are to do in the service to which they are appointed, occasion them to be cut off and to perish by a neglectful and irreverent performance of their ministry."
REFLECTIONS.—Since no Levite was capable of ministering till twenty-five or thirty years of age, nor longer than fifty, a new review is made to select these from their brethren. Ministers have need of much wisdom and solidity: youthful novices, it is to be feared, will discredit their holy calling. They are to enter the host, and do the work of the tabernacle: the ministry is not a calling of ease, but labour; they who take it upon them, need approve themselves hardy and good soldiers of Jesus Christ. As in all our removes we must take God and his worship with us, charge is given about the tabernacle; the carriage of the noblest part of it is committed to the sons of Kohath. Aaron and his sons must take down and cover all the holy things; the Levites may not touch nor see them: this dispensation was dark, a vail covered it, which vail is done away in Christ. Eleazar must take care both of their burdens and persons, lest by transgressing they should be cut off. The charge of men's lives is great; but how much greater the charge of immortal souls! Ithamar had the charge of the other families; Gershon took care of the drapery, and Merari of the more heavy carriage of the tabernacle. Every pin must be produced, and nothing be lost. Note; (1.) Every tittle of God's word is precious, and to be preserved with sacred reverence. (2.) When this earthly tabernacle of our bodies shall be dissolved, as our souls under the conduct of the divine Eleazar go before, our bodies shall follow, and on the Resurrection-day a glorious tabernacle be raised up again, which never more shall be taken down or removed.